CAROL LINK: Propagate new perennial plants from stem cuttings

Since October, plant propagation in the greenhouses has been ongoing. Beginning the second week in January, work accelerated.

By Carol LinkSpecial to The Times

Since October, plant propagation in the greenhouses has been ongoing. Beginning the second week in January, work accelerated. Additional propagation, fertilization, pinching-off, sanitizing and plant maintenance has increased. Five teams of master gardeners work in the greenhouses Monday through Friday, propagating and caring for plants. Throughout the weekends, master gardeners periodically drop by the greenhouses to ensure that all greenhouse systems are working and running smoothly, and all plants are alive and well. Pruning will begin in late February and early March on rose bushes, butterfly bushes, crape myrtles and other late-blooming shrubs and trees. From the propagation of leaf cuttings from perennials, such as begonias, coleus, succulents and other plants, our greenhouse inventory increases each week. The best way to propagate new plants is to take cuttings from mature, healthy perennials, preferably removing the new growth from the upper portion of a stem. Use a sharp knife, scissors or clippers to make a clean slanted cut, making each new stem-cutting about 6 inches in length.If possible, only remove the leaves from the lower half of a cutting. Coat the base of each stem cutting with a commercial rooting hormone, insert the bottom 2 inches in a propagation bed of clean coarse sand and/or vermiculite or perlite combined with equal portions of peat moss, and pack the planting medium in firmly around the stem to prevent air pockets.Never allow the propagating medium to dry out, but likewise, do not waterlog the medium; aeration (oxygen) is essential for plants to grow. Place the propagating bed in a location that offers high humidity (such as a bathroom), to prevent the cuttings from drying out and the leaves from dropping. Do not add any fertilizer to the cuttings until a root system has formed.After a few weeks, check the cuttings to determine if a root system has developed by lightly tugging on the stem cutting. If resistance occurs, a root system has begun to form. As soon as a good root system is produced, remove the cuttings from the propagation bed and place them in a small container of potting soil.Ingredients for a good potting soil are equal parts sandy soil, rich textured topsoil, peat and composted manure. Water the new plants regularly, never allowing them to dry out completely.Store the new container plants inside, to protect them from freezing temperatures and drafts, and to be able to take special care of them until the new plants become established. After all threat of freezing temperatures has passed, the new plants may be placed in the landscape, in a location that coincides with each one’s environmental needs.

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